PSNI reminds officers of powers to seize uninsured e-scooters amid growing public concerns

E-scooters and e-bikes seized by police over the weekend around Lurgan and Craigavon

Monday, August 3, 2026

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reminded officers of their existing powers to seize uninsured e-scooters as concerns continue to grow about the increasing use of the vehicles on roads and footpaths across Northern Ireland.

The clarification comes after an internal police document, intended for officer use only, highlighted the legal powers available when dealing with e-scooters being ridden in public places.

Reminder of existing powers – not a change in policy

In a statement issued on Monday, a PSNI spokesperson stressed that the guidance does not represent a new enforcement policy but is instead a reminder of powers that officers already have under existing road traffic legislation.

The spokesperson said:

“Information was circulated to officers last week reminding them of the power of seizure for uninsured motor vehicles, which includes e-scooters.

“This information outlined some of the tactical options available to officers when responding to reports of e-scooters on roads, or in public places. For example, use of drones, CCTV or a planned policing operation.

“It reminded officers of the offence of no insurance and the powers of seizure and disposal under the relevant legislation under the Road Traffic Order.

“This information is not part of any new Police Service instruction, and was contained in an internal document for officer-use only, and not for public dissemination.”

Why it matters

The statement comes as police continue to receive reports of e-scooters being ridden on public roads, pavements and other public places, an issue that has prompted concern in communities across Northern Ireland.

Under current legislation, privately owned e-scooters generally cannot be used legally on public roads or footpaths because they are classed as motor vehicles. This means riders may require insurance and could face enforcement action if the vehicle is being used unlawfully.

The reminder reinforces that officers already have powers to seize uninsured e-scooters where the legal threshold is met and may use a range of policing tactics—including CCTV, drones and planned operations—to identify offences.

While the PSNI has stressed there has been no change in policy, the reminder underlines that officers already have powers to seize uninsured e-scooters and may use a range of tactics, including CCTV, drones and planned operations, when responding to reports of illegal use on roads and in public places.